Contract To Close

Congratulations a seller has accepted your offer. Before you can take possession of your new home, however, several important details must fall into place. Count on your agent to explain each step in the process and answer your questions.

Complete a Home InspectionAssuming this contingency was in your offer, schedule a thorough inspection of the property with a qualified home inspector. If you like, your agent can help you identify several inspectors to choose from.

The inspector should provide you with a written report detailing any flaws found in one home, including information about the severity of his or her findings. If severe problems are found, your contingency clause should permit you to cancel the contract without obligation.

Alternately, you may want to negotiate performance and payment for any significant repairs noted in the inspection. But also remember that no home is perfect and small repairs and maintenance issues should not derail the transaction or require another round of negotiations.

Finalize Your MortgageSecuring a mortgage can be more complex and expensive than many consumers realize. Numerous documents and details must come together in a short period of time. Make sure you have promptly supplied your lender with everything they ask for so your financing is in place before closing day.

Get Ready to MoveMoving may be the biggest job you face in buying a home. Be sure to get a jump on these preparations. First, decide how much help you’ll need. If you plan to hire a moving company, compare costs and make a reservation. Other important details include coordinating dates to end services with all utilities and establish service in your new home. Make sure the post office has been notified of your change of address, as well as your bank, credit card companies, insurance agent, attorney, other key professionals, family and friends. Ask your agent for a Moving Checklist to help you organize your move.

Attend a Final Walk-ThroughA pre-closing walk-through is a final check to ensure that the home is in the same condition it was during the inspection, and to make sure all contracted items, such as appliances are still in the home. The timing of the final walk-through may vary, depending on practices in your market.

Prepare to Pay Closing CostsWhen you applied for your mortgage, you received a good-faith estimate of closing costs. As closing approaches, you’ll need to determine exactly how much money you will be expected to bring to closing and what forms of payment are acceptable.

The Miracle Home® Program, exclusive to RE/MAX LLC., allows a RE/MAX Associate to make a donation on behalf of each transaction to Children's Miracle Network. The partnership underscores Sales Associate involvement in the communities in which they live and serve. RE/MAX Sales Associates are unique in that a majority of the donations received by Children's Miracle Network from RE/MAX are the result of Associates' hard work rather than solicited from customers.